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Department of Community Services
2003 - Yukon Wildfire Bulletins
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Current Fire Danger Ratings Wildfire Bulletin #32 July 25, 2003 - 10:15 AM LIGHTNING CONTINUES TO IGNITE FIRES IN THE DAWSON AREA WHITEHORSE – The Dawson fire district was once again the location of lightning-caused fire activity as two new incidents were reported yesterday. Both fires are currently in remote areas with no identified values at risk. One of the fires is burning along the Ogilvie River and is approximately 145 hectares in size. The other fire is located near the Ladue River, 65 kilometres west of Dawson City and is 4 hectares in size. There are currently no resources on the fire. However, officials are closely monitoring both incidents. The fire burning near mile 150 of the Dempster Highway is now approximately 657 hectares in size and is threatening three cabins in the area. This morning a helicopter and three firefighters were dispatched to the fire to do a site assessment. "The fire was very active last night," said Duty Officer Mike Sparks. "Travelers of that portion of the highway can expect to see smoke and possibly open flames for at least the next few days." The fire burning near Indian River in the Dawson district is now under control. The fire was originally reported to be 10 kilometres south of Dawson City, but is actually 25 kilometres south of the city. Twelve firefighters and a helicopter remain on the fire and are expected to be there until Sunday. "With the dry conditions and forecast winds, we are expecting the fire activity to increase over the weekend," said Sparks. "During the weekend we will be re-evaluating all of the fires currently burning in the Dawson district." With yesterday's activity there have no been 66 fires in the territory and as a result over 6900 hectares of forest has burned. Of the 66 fires, 20 are currently active. Twenty firefighters and one Liason Officer from the Yukon, continue to work on a fire in Williams Lake, B.C., northeast of Chilko Lake. The Yukon firefighters were deployed to the fire on Wednesday and make up a contingent of 80 firefighters who are working to suppress the fire. Yesterday, airtankers, heavy equipment and the Martin Mars waterbomber actioned the fire that is now 1100 hectares in size. Cause of the fire is under investigation. There are currently 23 Yukon Wildland Fire Management staff in B.C. providing aid with their on-going fire activity. Al Beaver, a Planning and Science Supervisor with Yukon Wildland Fire Management is currently working in Merritt, B.C., conducting fire behavior predictions on the large Washington State fire that is approaching B.C. That fire is now 22,000 hectares in size and is approximately eight kilometers from the border. The Yukon's Lorne Harris is working in Penticton, B.C., with a group of CL415 airtankers out of Quebec. Fire officials are urging the public to be safe and responsible when conducting any kind of burning and to be on the lookout for any suspicious smoke. If you notice a forest fire, please report it immediately by calling 1-888-798-FIRE (3473). -30- For Yukon Wildfire updates, call 1-800-826-4750 Current Fire Danger Ratings |